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OPINION

Commentary: Keep your holidays from going up in flames

By Norman E. Feder, Chairman, North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District
Published 5:26 p.m. ET Dec. 22, 2017

For many of us, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer.

What few of us don’t consider is the holiday season is a time when there is an increased risk for home fires. Add to that the hectic nature of the holidays, when people are trying to accomplish multiple tasks at one time, and the chance for home fires grows even more.

Fortunately, with a little added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and safe for everybody.

With unattended cooking as the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District urges you to stay in the kitchen while you’re boiling, frying, grilling or broiling food.

Be aware of any item that can catch fire and be sure to keep those items away from the stove top. When you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time, turn the stove top off.

If you’re simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.

Always ensure the safety of four-legged family members and our children by establishing a kid- and pet-free zone around the stove of at least 3 feet.

Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays. Your North Collier fire professionals encourage you to please use flameless candles. There are new flameless candle designs that look and smell like real candles. If you do choose to use traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember to extinguish candles when you leave the room or go to bed.

Do not use candles in bedrooms or other areas where people may fall asleep and never leave a child or pet alone in a room with a burning candle.

The demand for natural Christmas trees is high while the supply nationally, as well as locally, is low. This means an increasing number of households will choose artificial trees to decorate their home this holiday season.

North Collier fire professionals remind us to place all trees at least 3 feet from any heat source and make sure it isn’t blocking any exits in your home or business. Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and replace any string with worn or broken cords. Always turn off your Christmas tree lights before leaving your home or going to bed.

Our district will continue to share additional safety tips for the holiday season. Following our safety and prevention tips can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home, and allow you and your family the opportunity to enjoy a safe holiday season.

From all of us at North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District, we wish you a joyous and safe holiday season.

Norman E. Feder is chairman of the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District.

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